Duration
Full-time: Varies
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City, University of Auckland Online
Points
120 or 180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught & research options available

Programme overview

The MPP develops your expertise in the core principles, concepts and methods of public policy research and analysis, and advances your skills in solving public policy problems.

You can connect theory with practice by studying the nature of policy, policy design and the policy process, and engaging in policy analysis and development.

You’ll be able to follow your own interests through research and elective courses. You can apply to enrol in our internship course for hands-on experience in policy.

Study this programme online

The Master of Public Policy is also available through University of Auckland Online. This will allow you to complete the programme in three years part-time through a set of fully online courses. Learn about the Master of Public Policy Online.

Programme structure

The MPP is available as either a taught or research masters, with 180-point or 120-point options, depending on your entry qualification and whether you would like to write a thesis.

Taught (180 point)

  • Enter from an undergraduate qualification
  • Three semesters full-time or up to twelve semesters part-time
  • Four core courses in policy analysis, economics of policy, comparative public policy and advanced research skills (75 points)
  • Dissertation (45 points)
  • Elective courses (60 points) OR 135 points from POLICY 740-744 and Dissertation (45 points)

Research (180 point)

  • Enter from an undergraduate qualification
  • Three semesters full-time or up to six semesters part-time
  • Five core courses in policy analysis, economics of policy, research design, comparative public policy and advanced research skills (90 points)
  • Thesis (90 points)

Research (120 point)

  • Enter from a postgraduate qualification
  • One year full-time or up to two years part-time
  • Two core courses in policy analysis, economics of policy, research design, comparative public policy or advanced research skills (30 points)
  • Thesis (90 points)

Taught (120 point)

  • Enter from a postgraduate qualification
  • One year full-time or up to four years part-time
  • Four core courses in policy analysis, economics of policy, research design and comparative public policy (75 points)
  • A 45 point dissertation

You should complete your core courses before you start your dissertation. You can find the requirements for your study in the MPP Schedule, and take a look at our postgraduate courses in Public Policy.

Postgraduate pathway

Download the Arts postgraduate pathway (14KB, PDF)

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Subjects available in this programme

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2024 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Arts (Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelors degree

  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in a relevant discipline with GPA of 5 or higher. 

Relevant disciplines include business, communication, criminology, economics, education, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political sciences, public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, sociology and social work.

You must have completed a bachelors degree in a relevant discipline with a GPA of at least 5 in 45 points above Stage II. 

Relevant disciplines include business, communication, criminology, economics, education, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political sciences, public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, sociology and social work.

You must have completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in a relevant discipline with GPA of 5 or higher. You must have also completed two of these courses: POLICY 701, POLICY 702, POLITICS 757 or POLITICS 742.

Relevant disciplines include business, communication, criminology, economics, education, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political sciences, public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, sociology and social work.

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the entry requirements, the following programmes are appropriate pathways:

  • Graduate Diploma in Arts
  • Certificate of Proficiency

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    One year of postgraduate study

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree

  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    One year of postgraduate study

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

You must have completed a one-year postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, following an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution). Four-year undergraduate degrees will be considered where the final year consists of postgraduate-level study. You will need a GPE of 5.0.

Relevant disciplines include business, communication, criminology, economics, education, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political sciences public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, sociology and social work.

You must have completed an undergraduate degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in a relevant discipline. You will need a GPE of 5.0.

Relevant disciplines include business, communication, criminology, economics, education, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political sciences, public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, sociology and social work.

You must have completed a one-year postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, following an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution) and an introductory statistics course. You must also have completed two postgraduate courses in policy analysis, economics of policy, comparative public policy or advanced research skills. You will need a GPE of 5.0.

Four-year undergraduate degrees will be considered where the final year consists of postgraduate-level study.

Relevant disciplines include business, communication, criminology, economics, education, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political sciences, public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, sociology and social work.

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the entry requirements, the following programmes are appropriate pathways:

  • Graduate Diploma in Arts
  • Certificate of Proficiency
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Public Policy cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$8,860.80 – $10,892.40*
International students
NZ$42,828 – $50,810*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.

1 December start available for 120-point research masters only, subject to supervisor availability.

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
8 December 2024
Semester Two 2024
4 July 2024

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

The MPP is a career-focused qualification that gives you the skills and knowledge you need for a career in public policy, local or national government, non-governmental organisations, or the private sector. It is popular with people already working in governments around the world who want to upskill and accelerate their careers, and offers the flexibility to study part-time alongside your current job.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Division chief for policy formulation
  • Executive director
  • Independent policy and governance adviser
  • Journalist
  • Policy adviser
  • Policy analyst
  • Policy researcher
  • Senior adviser - voter participation

Graduate story: Eddie Tuiavii

Eddie Tuiavii is a Master of Public Policy (MPP) graduate and now works as Senior Advisor Voter Participation at Auckland Council.

Read more

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Experience the University

Studying Public Policy with us

Take a look at what it's like to study for a Master of Public Policy, and where it might take you.

Do you need help?

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Auckland
923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513